Jeld-Wen makes at least 6 different lines of wood and vinyl windows. The wood windows can also be aluminum clad. In each category there are a half dozen different types of window operation each with their own individual design properties and issues and then there are many different ways to configure them.

If you want to know if Jeld-Wen is a good company, yes, it is a very good company, one of the biggest, if not the biggest, in the world. In general, the more expensive windows perform better than the cheaper ones. No one can describe all of the possiblities of what you might be thinking of buying. Give us a specification and we might be able to tell you our experience with that particular window.

I do not recommend shopping at Lowes or Home Depot for windows.

What on God's earth is this thing about windows stinking? About 2 years ago we had 27 windows in our house replaced with Jeld-Wen vinyl windows. They are fantastic and the don't "stink".

I think it's metaphorical. At least I hope so.

One thing to keep in mind is that they do not have "quality inspectors," or specialists that they employ to ensure that they are installed correctly. Many leading companies offer this service, and it can be beneficial when replacing older windows in existing openings. From what I've experienced, Jeld-wen produces a quality window, but their guidelines for installation are geared for new construction- be sure to have an experienced contractor...

One thing I can tell you about Jeld-Wen is that they have the best installation instructions in the industry and they are attached to each window in a plastic pocket stuck on the glass. Put it in the contract that those instructions must be followed.

Clarifications: "stink" was indeed a metaphorical interpretation for "prone to failure." The reason I would purchase windows from Lowes (or other local source) would be to install them myself. It can't be rocket science, the house was built in 1952. Siding is brand new Certainteed cedar impressions...current windows look pretty bad in comparison. Windows are double hung, about 35 inches wide by 40-41.

thanks Linda

In addition to making all-vinyl and all-aluminum windows Jeld-Wen makes wood and aluminum-clad wood windows under the following model names in the order of decreasing quality and cost:

Custom (formerly Pozzi Windows)
Premium wood Siteline (formerly Norco Windows)
Premium wood Tradition Plus (formerly Caradco Windows)
Builders clad-wood

None of these window models have much in common except that they now bear the trade name of their original mother company, Jeld-Wen.

If you know how to properly install modern nail-fin sill-less windows, then you know a great deal more than most general contractors.

Check this for views on jeld-wen...

Here is a link that might be useful: jeld-wen wood windows

Wow, thanks for the ebay link! Looks like my blinds will be on the outside...of andersons. My brother is installing new custom windows in my parent's home. He can walk me through one of mine for the experience.

thanks again Linda

Any wood window that is installed improperly or not maintained well will deteriorate. You can find stories like the one on eBay about any window manufacturer, just Google them.

For the past 30 years I would not use Andersen windows because, in my opinion, the sill was virtually impossible to flash and it caused me a lot of trouble on the first house I designed in '77 and my brother-in-law found major sill leaks on a large new housing project that he was responsible for maintaining. The problem was obvious but Andersen ignored it until it brought out the 400 Double-Hung so I used them a few months ago. But for that much money you might as well use a Marvin Ultimate Double Hung or an Eagle (now owned by Andersen) and take advantage of more sizes, colors and aluminum cladding. Unfortunately, now Marvin has adopted the bad sill design.

None of this is as simple as people claim. I go to building shows for the purpose of seeing who has finally designed a reasonable clad wood window. I have yet to find one.

When I can get away with it, I specify a wood frame with an aluminum clad sash so I can get factory installed trim (and mulled multiple units) and real 1 1/2" thick sills with overhangs/drips and sillhorns at the bottoms of the jamb trim just like "real" windows do. Marvin and Eagle do that very well but what used to be a bargain is slowly becoming a premium cost.

Time to retire and complain about the government full time.

I have been in the window industry for 15 years, and installing Jeld-Wen windows for 10. (Personally I only install Jeld-Wen products, because it's my reputation and I don't want to be out money for repairs down the line.)

So, let me just say that PROPER installation is EVERYTHING! It's really not for the average Joe. I even know alot of really good contractors, but their installation of windows is poor. This is a big investment and a big opening for wind a rain to get thru.

I totally agree that ANY wood window that is installed improperly or not maintained well will deteriorate. And yes you can find stories of them just like the one on eBay about any window manufacturer. NO I'm not a sale rep. and I don't work for them or anything, I just happen to know alot about the product.

Jeld-Wen is JUST the manufacturer, they do not install the product. It is important to do your homework and research ANY product and installer before purchase/hire. There are several different types of windows and options for ALL over the world. Just because a product is available to purchase or is sold in your area - DOESN'T mean that's what should be used! People will sell you what they think you want so they get the sale. I would say about 90% of the window failures I see are not from manufacturing. Is from improper installation OR use of the wrong product for the climate/area.

If you must go to a Lowes/Home Depot type store - go during the day 9am to 4pm, weekdays. Anyone who nows the area they work in/and the manager are usally working during normal office hours. OR just ask for the Mill Manager.

Just want to add one thing.
Efficiency of the window is rated by National Fenstration
Rating Committee.
The lower the U-Factor & Solar Heat Gain Coefficient the better the window will perform.
NFRC provides a rating sticker on these windows (stuck on like the install instructions) that gives U-Factor & SHGC
(both should be less than .40, the lower the # the better the performance. This sticker will also provide specific climate/zone locations.
Best of luck.